Tours of Addis Ababa and Single Day Excursions

For those who have only a day or less to spend touring the capital, we have a variety of one-day tours. You may visit the breath-taking overlook of the Blue Nile Gorge; the mysterious Tiya Stelae, a UNESCO World Heritage site; or take in some of the finest museums in Africa.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Half Day Tour

The National Museum in Addis Ababa.

National MuseumComprised of many archaeological and historical artefacts including the famous hominid fossil “Lucy” locally known as “Dinknesh” meaning “wonderful,” this museum provides a great introduction to the history of Ethiopia. MercatoThe largest open-air market in Africa. Here you will be given a fascinating glimpse of the vast range of goods from all parts of the country and participate in the Ethiopian tradition of negotiating a price or bartering. Mount EntotoWith an altitude of 3200 meters is the highest peak in the Addis Ababa region. It was the site of the first palace of Menelik-II, the founder of Addis Ababa, and offers wonderful views of the surrounding forests and the capital below. ​

Addis Ababa Full Day Tour

Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.

This tour includes the sites on the "Addis Ababa Half Day" tour and also includes:Ethnological MuseumLocated in the main campus of the Addis Ababa University and founded by the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, the museum strives to preserve the country's historical and cultural heritages. It has complete collections that describe almost all the tribal groups in Ethiopia. Here you will have an overview about the history, culture, and traditions of the people of Ethiopia.Trinity CathedralA beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture that is unique to both Ethiopia and Africa and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Many renowned Ethiopians are buried in the church grounds and the tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife are inside the church.St. George CathedralLocated in the heart of the city, this is where Emperor Haile Selassie was coronated as the Emperor of Ethiopia. Its museum holds clothes and belongings of the former Ethiopian kings, religious crosses, and numerous manuscripts and paintings. ​​

The Blue Nile Gorge and Debre Libanos Tour

Enjoying the view of the Blue Nile Gorge.

After an early breakfast, drive outside of Addis Ababa to the site of a 13th century monastery, Debre Libanos, built by the Ethiopian saint, Abune Teklehaimanot. Although the original church was destroyed by Mussolini's forces, it is still a important pilgrimage site for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. As an added bonus, packs of the the endemic Gelada Baboon are often seen nearby. A nearby overlook provides outstanding views of the famous Blue Nile Gorge, which is on par with Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the sights and songs of many of the native birds. Return to Addis through one of the famous teff growing regions of Ethiopia. (Teff is the grain from which the staple of Ethiopian cuisine, injera, is made.)

Wonchi Crater Lake Tour

Wonchi Crater Lake

Wonchi Crater LakeSitting in the shadow of Mount Wonchi, Wonchi Crater Lake is the beautiful legacy of a once powerful volcano. A hiking path from the rim of the volcano meanders past small farms and forests to the lake below. An ancient island church, Cherkos, is accessible via a boat ride across the lake. For those not keen on walking, horseback in an option.

Adadi Maryam and Tiya Stele Tour

Adadi MariamAdadi Mariam is a subterranean rock-hewn church similar to those of Lalibela. This church is unique as it is the southern-most church of its type, and stands alone – no other rock-hewn churches are in the area. It has been surmised that King Lalibela ordered the construction of Adida Mariam for his visit to southern Ethiopia. The site dates to the 13th century, but is still an active site of worship. While it dates to around the same time as the Tiya stelae, and is only ~30km north of them, Adadi Mariam provides a strong contrast to the pagan-like aura at Tiya. Tiya SteleClose by the Adadi Mariam church are the stelae of Tiya. The monuments – 36 in all – are the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture, standing between 1 and 2 meters in height. Excavations have revealed that the site is an ancient cemetery, housing the remains of both males and females, aged from 18 to 30. Dating to between the 10th and 15th centuries, the stelae are covered in symbols whose meaning remains unknown. The swords and other symbols carved into the rock are unique to themselves; no other symbols of their type have been discovered. Tiya is easily accessible off a main road from Addis Ababa. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is relatively untouched by tourism compared to other parts of Ethiopia.

"Waka" wooden sculptures by the Konso people on display at the Ethnological Museum.